Dominating/suggestioning npcs?

[Mr.SpikeChain]

Hello all! This forum has been a fantastic resource. I'm still puzzled, however, on exactly how to add humanoid npcs to your party (by force). I cast suggestion and end combat. But no icon appears to level up the npc. Of course when I kill it, it disappears from my party and, of course, I can't take it to Jaroo for a rez. Am I doing something wrong? Or does this only work on certain monsters/npcs?

Thanks,

Mr. Spike Chain

[steakfish]

Dominate Person (or animal) should give you the effect that you want. I tried using suggestion and charm a couple of times, but the monster/animal would never stay in the party, even after levelling up, killing, and reviving it.
P.S. is there a way to make NPCs from things that don't qualify as animal or humanoid? I'd really like to have an owlbear or hydra npc.